2. Pad: Experts say the first step to consistent workouts is to define a workout space. The seven-foot-by-two-foot Hugger Mugger High Performance Mandara mat does the trick and adds a quarter-inch of durable padding for floor exercises ($65; huggermugger.com).

3. Push-Up Stand: Turns out the infomercials are legit in this case. The rotating Perfect Pushup Mobile system turns standard push-ups into full-shoulder presses. When you're done, it collapses and slides neatly into a bookcase ($60; perfectpushup.com).

4. Weights: An ex-Soviet coach imported kettlebells to the U.S. ten years ago, and no weight system has proved better at full-body development ($40 for 20 lbs; $30 for 15 lbs; bodysolid.com). Want more versatility? Bowflex's SelectTech 552 Dumbbells (not pictured) pack 15 free weights into one, with resistance from five to 52.5 pounds ($450; bowflexselecttech.com).

5. Stability Ball: Like a weight bench, only better. By injecting a bit of wobble into your workouts, Fitball's 30-inch Exercise Ball makes movements like presses, rows, overheads, back extensions, and, yes, crunches more effective at building strength for real-life activities ($35; fitball.com).